MA/Credential Program Admissions FAQs

General Program Questions: 2019-2020

The application window opens October 1, 2018 and ends January 15, 2019.

What tests are required?

Applicants submit score reports from CBEST and/or CSET (see California Basic Skills and Subject Matter Competency requirements below) by the application deadline. These tests are administered by the state. Applicants should designate the UCSC Education Department in score reporting. The GRE is NOT required.

Which credentials are offered at UCSC?

The MA/Credential Program offers the following types of California Teaching Credentials:

Multiple Subject (Elementary) Preliminary Teaching Credential:

Prepares candidates to be elementary school teachers who teach in self-contained classrooms, typically grades K-6, where all subjects are taught by the same teacher.

Single Subject (Secondary) Preliminary Teaching Credential:

Prepares candidates to be secondary school teachers who teach in a departmentalized setting where the teacher is generally responsible for one subject area, typically grades 7-12 (middle school and high school). The single subject credential is offered in the following subject areas:

Candidates who complete the MA/Credential Program will earn a Master of Arts in Education.

What is the timeline for completing the program?

UCSC’s MA/Credential program is one calendar year (12 months). Admitted candidates complete five consecutive academic quarters. Candidates will begin the program July 22, 2019 with a six-week summer session. Candidates then progress to three standard academic quarters of ten-weeks each (Fall, Winter, and Spring). Following the academic year, students complete a final four-week summer session and exit the program July 17, 2020.

The program has two main components: master’s level courses and student teaching placements. In their master’s courses, candidates develop a theoretical and research-based perspective on important educational issues while gaining practical applications in their methods courses and student teaching placements. Master’s coursework and student teaching placements run concurrently during the majority of the program. Student teaching placements begin and end according to the local school districts’ academic calendars (generally late August to early June).

How many candidates are in the MA/Credential Program?

Each year, approximately 60-70 candidates are enrolled in the MA/Credential Program. About half are Multiple Subjects candidates and half Single Subject candidates.

What is a cohort?

A cohort is a small group (typically 10-20) of students working towards the same credential. Cohorts provide a collaborative learning environment for our candidates. Each Single Subject group (Math, Science, Social Science, English) is a cohort, while the Multiple Subjects candidates are generally divided into two cohorts.

What are teacher supervisors?

Teacher supervisors are exemplary seasoned classroom teachers who lead credential cohorts in bi-weekly student teaching seminars. They also perform direct observation and evaluation of candidates in their student teaching placements. Teacher supervisors provide mentorship and the perspective of extensive classroom experience to their students

What are student teaching placements?

All candidates in the teacher preparation programs participate in two student teaching placements. In August, students receive their first placement. They begin with initial observations of the class to become familiar with the students, classroom routines and procedures, and the teaching style of their cooperating teacher. Student teachers assume increasing levels of responsibility within their placement — teaching small groups, parts of lessons and full lessons. The second placement begins in November for Single Subject candidates and January for Multiple Subjects candidates. During this second placement, candidates assume more responsibility for instruction. This placement culminates with solo teaching, with student teachers effectively assuming responsibility for instruction for a number of weeks.

Do people work during this program?

Due to the intensity of the MA/Credential Program, candidates are not encouraged to work. If candidates must work, we recommend working no more than 6-10 hours per week while enrolled in the MA/Credential Program. The intensity of candidates’ schedules in a one-year program — with coursework and school placements — cannot be overemphasized.

Can I earn just a Credential?

No. Unfortunately, UCSC only offers the combined MA/Credential track.

I already have a valid Teaching Credential. Can I complete just the Master’s portion of the program?

No. UCSC only offers the combined MA/Credential track. Additionally, individuals with a valid teaching credential (either CA issued or from out-of-state) are not eligible to apply for the MA/Credential Program.

What is the cost of attendance?

The 2018-19 in-state graduate student tuition and fees are currently $6,043 per quarter or about $26,040 for five quarters (see the Office of the Registrar’s website under “Graduate Student Fees”). Fees include enrollment in the Graduate Student Health Insurance Program (may be waived). Please note that fees, tuition and other charges are subject to change by the UC Board of Regents of the University of California without advance notice. Fees generally increase at the beginning of the year starting with the summer quarter. Estimated budgets (Fall, Winter, Spring), including fees and living expenses can be found on UCSC’s Financial Aid website.

Application Questions

What is the timeline for the application process?

Applications will be accepted online for the 2019 - 2020 MA/Credential Program: October 1, 2018 and ends January 15, 2019.

Does the MA/Credential Program offer rolling admission?

No, the UCSC MA/Credential Program admissions review process happens once per year. All applications submitted during the application period are reviewed at that time.

When are applicants notified if they were accepted to the program?

The MA/Credential Admissions Committee notifies applicants of their decision by mid-March and accepted candidates must submit their “Statement of Intent to Register” to the university by April 15. Admitted students matriculate in June.

Obtaining a Certificate of Clearance is a multiple step process that can take as little as 10 days and as long as several months. Please note that the CTC requires either a United States issued Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) to apply for a Certificate of Clearance. The IRS issues ITINs regardless of immigration status, primarily for the purpose of federal tax reporting. Please follow the detailed instructions provided by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

The deadline to submit evidence of satisfying the Basic Skills Requirement is June 10. However, it is highly recommended that documentation of satisfying the Basic Skills Requirement be submitted at the time of application.

How can I satisfy the Subject Matter Competency Requirement?

California state law mandates that all teachers provide evidence of their subject-matter knowledge (state requirement and subject to change).

Multiple Subject Applicants:

Individuals can verify subject-matter competence by passing all portions of the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET). Passing exam scores are valid for five years.

The CSET Multiple Subjects exams are comprised of three required subtests. Admitted MA/Credential applicants are required to submit passing test scores for the following:

The deadline to submit evidence of satisfying Subject Matter Competency Requirement is June 10. However, it is highly recommended that documentation of satisfying the Subject Matter Competency Requirement be submitted at the time of application.

Please note that admission priority may be given to applicants with passing test scores at the time of application[1].

Single Subject Applicants:

Individuals may verify subject-matter competence by passing all portions of the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) by content area.Passing exam scores are valid for five years.

Admitted MA/Credential applicants are required to submit passing test scores for the following:

Single Subject Area

Credential Type

CSET Subtests Required (test code)

English

English

English Subtest I (105) English Subtest I (106) English Subtest III (107) English Subtest IV (108)

The deadline to submit evidence of satisfying Subject Matter Competency Requirement is June 10. However, it is highly recommended that documentation of satisfying the Subject Matter Competency Requirement be submitted at the time of application.

Do I need to submit GRE scores in addition to my CBEST & CSET scores?

The GRE is not required for admission to the MA/Credential Program at UCSC.

Do I need to submit anything in hard copy?

No. The application and all supplemental materials (Letters of Recommendation, Test Scores/ Registration verification, transcripts, Certificate of Clearance, etc.) must be submitted within the online application.

Is financial aid available?

Financial aid inquiries should be directed to the Office of Financial Aid. See the Financial Aid website for more information.

Students needing financial aid during the program must submit two (2) Free Applications for Federal Students Aid (FAFSAs); a 2018-19 FAFSA for the first summer quarter; and a second FAFSA for 2019-2020 for Fall 2019 through Summer of 2020. Both FAFSA’s must be filed online by May 1, 2019. Additionally, the Education Department offers a few small scholarships. Once enrolled in the program, students are invited to apply for these in the fall and spring.

Where can I get more information?

Education Department

education.ucsc.edu

831.459.3249

Credential Analyst

kljacks@ucsc.edu

831.459.2200

Graduate Division

graddiv.ucsc.edu

831.459.5905

Registrar’s Office

reg.ucsc.edu

831.459.4412

Financial Aid

www2.ucsc.edu/fin-aid

831.459.2963

CBEST registration

www.cbest.nesinc.com

CSET registration

www.cset.nesinc.com

[1]Please note that admission priority may be given to applicants with passing test scores at the time of application.